Honouring Dr Glenn McCulloch AM for a Lifetime of Service to Neurosurgery

The NeuroSurgical Research Foundation (NRF) warmly congratulates former President and long-serving Board Member Dr Glenn McCulloch on being appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the General Division of the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours List.

Dr McCulloch received this prestigious honour for significant service to neurosurgical practice, research and education — a fitting recognition of his outstanding contributions to the field and to the community across many decades.

A retired neurosurgeon, Dr McCulloch served primarily at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, as well as at other South Australian public hospitals. Throughout his career, he played a key role in advancing neurosurgery in Australia, serving as President, Secretary, Treasurer and Board Member of the Neurosurgical Society of Australasia, and as a Councillor and training board member at the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.

Dr McCulloch joined the NRF Board in 2010 and served as President from 2020 to 2023. During this time, he was a passionate advocate for supporting world-class research into brain tumours, traumatic brain injury, and other devastating neurosurgical conditions.

“I was thrilled to be awarded an AM in recognition of my activities in neurosurgery, especially for my involvement in the NRF. This has been the organisation that I have enjoyed the most – the staff, the researchers and particularly the volunteers. It is these persons with whom I share the AM.”

His journey into medicine began with a life-changing moment as a high school student, witnessing a classmate injured in a road accident. Later, as a medical student, he was mentored by Donald Simpson and Jim Dinning — pioneers of the NRF — who inspired him to pursue neurosurgery.

Dr McCulloch’s legacy is one of dedication, humility, and impact. We are proud to have him as part of the NRF community and thrilled to see his lifelong service honoured on a national stage.

To view the full list of Australians recognised in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours, visit the Governor-General’s website.